The Cats went down in a physical contest against Thurgoona at Barkly Park on Saturday.
Rutherglen 7-8-50 def by Thurgoona 15-13-103
Goal kickers: James Tanner 2, Michael Cooper 1, Matthew Halton 1, Jyda House 1, Thomas Kilpatrick 1, Luke Knight 1.
Best players: Dylan Van Berlo, Samuel Edmonson, Mitch Cofield, Reed Bonat, Michael Cooper and Tyler Ferraro.
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Thurgoona were always going to be a very tough opponent for the Rutherlgen Cats seniors and that’s how it turned out.
Despite a strong effort, the Rutherglen Cats fell short against an experienced Thurgoona team who have added quality players to a list that just missed finals in 2023.
Both teams had periods of momentum throughout the match with Thurgoona ultimately too strong across the four quarters.
Despite the team’s best efforts, the Rutherglen Cats failed to stop a surge of goals from Thurgoona in the third quarter which was ultimately the difference between the two sides in the end.
Despite this outcome and the pressure the Rutherglen defence was under in the third quarter, Dylan Van Berlo, Mitch Cofield and Tyler Ferraro held strong, repelling numerous Thurgoona inside 50 entries.
Although disappointed, the Rutherglen coaches acknowledged the effort of many players within the team and emphasised areas for improvement, with a particular focus on defence and stopping surges of momentum.
The coaches remain optimistic about the team’s potential and are committed to refining strategies and tactics at training this week in preparation for next weekend's game against Tallangatta where Rutherglen hope to win their second game of the season.
Award Winners: Poachers Paradise Hotel- Dylan VanBerlo, Complete Body Craft- Sam Edmondson, Club Corowa- Mitch Cofield, Rutherglen Pizza- Reed Bonat, Corowa Sportspower- Mick Cooper, Boorhaman Hotel- Tyler Ferraro.
Reserves
Rutherglen 5-4-34 def by Thurgoona 9-3-57
The Cats Reserves was a very good game to watch with our boys standing up well under plenty of heat and matched it with their much more fancied opponent. A very tight struggle all game, with Thurgoona getting the points at the end. Well done Cats.
Award Winners: Poachers Paradise Hotel- Hayden Weller, Schnitz Albury- Caleb Andison, Baker Seed Co- Ian Kay, Rutherglen Pizza- Aaron Field, Club Corowa-Benett Thomas.
Another perfect autumn day saw the Under 17s welcome Thurgoona to Barkly Park. With a consistent four quarter game every player on the list contributed to a comfortable win.
Ethan Gregor taking a ‘screamer’ in the Under 17s.
Highlights were plentiful including mark of the year contender Ethan Gregor and dazzling running plays by Flynn Verhulst and Mitch Francis, celebrating his 50th club game
Charlie Poole and Ethan Gregor with five goals each, Flynn with two and the remaining goals shared between Laiton Hetherington and Charlie Kafarela saw Rutherglen run out winners by 73 points.
Only inaccurate kicking prevented a greater winning margin.
All lines played well to stop Thurgoona’s game with special mention to Lincoln (Snowy) Barnes for an aggressive side to his game rarely seen before.
Best players were Flynn Verhulst, Mitch Francis, Archer Colvin, Eli Keys, Aidan Berriman and Ethan Gregor but many more players could have been nominated.
Looking forward to playing at Tallangatta next week. Go Cats!
Under 14s
Rutherglen 11-5-71 def Thurgoona 3-1-19
Award Winners, Silver Key Café- Dusty Fisher, Rutherglen Pizza Aiden Sibraa, Boschetti Electrical- Eli McFarlane, Coaches Awards- Arthur Morris & Hugo Poole
Under 12’s
Another fantastic game by our youngest Cats. The boys a really starting to get comfortable playing on the big grounds on a Sat morning. Keep up the good work.
Award Winners, Slope $10- Noah Cracknell, Silver Key Café- James Nicholson, Rutherglen Lolly Shop- Lachie Wilson, Danny Johnson Most Courageous- Kasey Rhodes, Boschetti Electrical- Luke Chandler, Coaches Awards- Jenson McInnes & Zac McCumber.
Netball
A Grade
Rutherglen 18 def By Thurgoona 84
The A Grade girls came up against a strong opposition today, we had patches of great play, but just need to get it consistent across the four quarters.
Thurgoona are great with their defensive pressure down the court which we struggled with. But over all the girls never gave up and fought to the end.
Best: Ally Halton Second: Kathleen Bartlett
B Grade
Rutherglen 17 def By Thurgoona 72
Tough day for the girls against Thurgoona, although they didn’t win they worked beautifully together. A lot of nerves in the first half but stuck by them.
A lot of good play and I’m proud of the girls for not giving up and contesting the play.
Best: Emma Prescott. Hennessy’s voucher: Pia Taylor
C Grade
Rutherglen 41 def by Thurgoona 51
Our C Grade ladies just fell short at the end by 10 goals.
Under 17s
Rutherglen 19 def by Thurgoona 53
Under 15s
Rutherglen 10 def by Thurgoona 58
Saturday morning we hosted Thurgoona at home. The girls are starting to gel more and played a really good game considering what the score board was.
Defence again for the Cats was strong with Holly and Tayla.
Thurgoona girls were too strong for ours and we went down.
Awards went to Holly O’Donoghue - Wax Trade Rutherglen, Tayla Meyer - Cash award and Milligan Morris - Slope cash award.
Under 13s
Rutherglen 4 def by Thurgoona 34
The Cats faced a tall strong opposition in Thurgoona.
We had great defensive pressure down the court and our attackers worked hard all game to find space and get front position.
There were some great passages of play with the team continuing to make improvements each week.
Despite the score the Cats remained positive and focused, working on their own game plan.
So much to be proud of from our young Cats who always give 100% and have positive attitudes.
We appreciate all the support of friends and family for our first home game.
Awards: The River Fish & Chip Co. Wahgunyah: Erica Harder, Sharon Renshaw Award: Harper Potter, Nick Meyer Builders: Audrey Maloney
